New law aims to prevent animal cruelty

Orange County leaders signed a new law today aimed at stopping repeat offenders from buying or adopting animals.

With the stamping of her paw print, 'Mindy,' a Staffordshire terrier stray at the Warwick Humane Society, offered lawmakers some help in signing Rocky's Law.

The new piece of legislation bans anyone convicted of abusing an animal in Orange County from buying or adopting an animal for 15 years, identifying them on an Internet registry.

The new law comes after the arrest of a Newburgh man in March, who officials say tied his Staffordshire terrier 'Rocky' up in his backyard in frigid temperatures without food, water or shelter. The dog was taken to the hospital, but his condition was so bad he had to be euthanized.

Rocky's owner Edward Maceda was charged with two counts of animal cruelty.